Academic Comparison between San Diego State and LCAD

San Diego State University and Laguna College of Art and Design are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. San Diego State is a four-year, public school located in San Diego, CA and LCAD is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Laguna Beach, CA.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • San Diego State is a public and LCAD is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • LCAD has more expensive tuition & fees ($37,500) than San Diego State ($21,328).
  • It is harder to admit to San Diego State than LCAD.
  • San Diego State has more students with 41,137 students while LCAD has 775 students.
  • LCAD has a lower number of students per faculty with 9 to 1 while San Diego State's ratio is 27 to 1.
  • San Diego State has more full-time faculties with 1,012 faculties while LCAD has 24 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

San Diego State Universityvs.Laguna College of Art and Design
San Diego, CaliforniaLocationLaguna Beach, California
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedMaster's degree
Research University (high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationSchool of art, music, and design
In-State$8,728
Out-Of-State$21,328
2025 Tuition & Fees$37,500
53%% Receiving Financial Aid100%
$11,851Average Amount of Financial Aid$12,292
36.19 %Acceptance Rates94.32 %
20.36 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)23.09 %
-SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
76 %Graduation Rate52 %
2 %Transfer-out Rate-
91 %Retention Rate84 %
41,137Student Population775
1,012Number of Faculties24
27 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio9 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services